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Average Price: $127

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$301+

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Description

Unleash the power of dual functionality with the Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay pedal, an exquisite blend of vintage charm and modern capabilities. A rare gem from the late '80s and early '90s, this pedal combines individual pitch-shifting and delay features in a unique harmony. Whether you're chasing the nostalgia of classic tones or crafting your distinct sound, the PS-2 is your reliable partner. With six different modes and adjustable controls, you manage the balance between each effect and your original signal, shaping your musical journey with precision and creativity.

Key Features:

  • Dual functionality pedal offering individual pitch shifting and delay capabilities
  • Comes with six distinct modes: 125ms delay, 500ms delay, 2 second delay, manual pitch shift, up an octave, and down an octave
  • Adjustable knobs for controlling the balance and feedback in your effects
  • Vintage model manufactured in the late '80s and early '90s
  • Allows a high level of customization for crafting unique sounds
  • Ideal for both classic tones and modern soundscapes

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay (Blue Label)
Finish Blue
Year 1987 - 1992
Made In Japan
Categories Delay Pedals, Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What are the main functions of the Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay?

The Boss PS-2 combines pitch shifting and digital delay effects in one pedal, allowing you to shift pitches and create echo effects. It offers multiple delay modes and the ability to shift pitches up or down, making it versatile for various musical applications.

How does the pitch shifting feature of the Boss PS-2 work?

The pitch shifting feature of the Boss PS-2 allows you to adjust the pitch of your input signal, creating harmonies or detuned effects. You can shift pitches in semitone increments to achieve the desired sound.

Can the Boss PS-2 be used for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Boss PS-2 is suitable for use with both guitar and bass. Its pitch shifting and delay effects can enhance the sound of either instrument, offering creative possibilities for musicians.

What power supply does the Boss PS-2 require?

The Boss PS-2 requires a 9V DC power supply, commonly used with many standard guitar pedals. It can also run on a 9V battery for portable use.

Is the Boss PS-2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss PS-2 is designed for live use, offering reliable performance and easy control over pitch shifting and delay effects. Its sturdy construction and intuitive interface make it a popular choice for gigging musicians.

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

BOSS PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter / Delay Demo

Video thumbnail for BOSS PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter / Delay Demo by Pepe Music

BOSS PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter / Delay Demo

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

Video thumbnail for Slowdive & The Boss PS-2 Pitch Shifter/Delay by pedal partners

Slowdive & The Boss PS-2 Pitch Shifter/Delay

pedal partners

pedal partners

Video thumbnail for BOSS PS 2 Digital Pitch Shifter / Delay (1980's) by intheblues

BOSS PS 2 Digital Pitch Shifter / Delay (1980's)

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Boss PS-2 (as used by Slowdive, Stars of The Lid & Mono) ~ in depth demo by pedal partners

Boss PS-2 (as used by Slowdive, Stars of The Lid & Mono) ~ in depth demo

pedal partners

pedal partners

Video thumbnail for Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter / Delay by Pedal of the Day

Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter / Delay

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Video thumbnail for BOSS PS-2 DIGITAL PITCH SHIFTER/DELAY by KRAZEEIZATION

BOSS PS-2 DIGITAL PITCH SHIFTER/DELAY

KRAZEEIZATION

KRAZEEIZATION

Video thumbnail for BOSS PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter Delay 1990 Vintage Made in Japan F/S Tested by Honpo Nori-chan

BOSS PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter Delay 1990 Vintage Made in Japan F/S Tested

Honpo Nori-chan

Honpo Nori-chan

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique effect on repeats, offering cold and tinny textures

  • Offers a lot of texture and sound sculpting options

  • Versatile with manual mode for experimental sounds

  • Quiet operation, does not raise noise-floor in signal chain

  • Suitable for use with keyboards, particularly effective with piano and Rhodes

  • Capable of producing chorus-like tones and beautiful low-fi sounds

  • Delay settings allow for controlled oscillation and delay loops

  • Features an interesting octaver for shimmer type sounds

CONS

  • May require servicing or repairs due to age

  • Bypassed tone might introduce low level distortion

  • Not all musicians may appreciate the colder, tinnier repeats

  • Delay degradation quicker compared to newer models

  • Some users find it challenging to use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay.

Features and functionality

  • The PS-2's delay has a unique metallic drone effect at shorter delay times, resembling a sitar, particularly with guitar use.

    Source
  • The pedal has a noticeable lag when adjusting delay time, leading to a cascading drone effect with time-stretched and detuned repeats.

    Source
  • Octave up shifts are bright and metallic, offering a shimmer reverb-like sensation, unlike modern pitch shifters.

    Source
  • The PS-2 is described as having a quirky yet usable character, offering a unique lo-fi digital delay with a degradation of repeats, reminiscent of analog delays but without interference in playing.

    Source
  • Serial number 845800 is a key identifier for PS-2 units without high-frequency noise, offering a cleaner sound compared to earlier models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Early PS-2 units suffer from high-frequency noise, which can be modified by changing three capacitors.

    Source
  • To verify if a pre-845800 PS-2 has been modded, it's advisable to inspect for resoldering or compare capacitors against modified units.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The PS-2's delays are lo-fi and high-pass, differing significantly from the DD-3, which is described as more straightforward and less interesting.

    Source
  • The PS-3 is recommended over the PS-2 for those seeking a chirpy shimmer effect, as used by the band Cave In, indicating distinct tonal differences between these models.

    Source
  • A user highlighted that PS-2 models from December '89 still exhibit the noisy oscillation, contrary to claims that November '87 models onward were fixed.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The PS-2 excels in creating lo-fi sounds with octave down settings, especially when used with heavy gain.

    Source
  • Users have successfully paired the PS-2 with a Tube Screamer to achieve Slowdive-like tones, highlighting its compatibility with other effects for shoegaze-style music.

    Source
  • Owners report achieving a "Cocaine Slapback" sound, a term associated with the JHS Maxon Fireblade pedals, showcasing the PS-2's versatility in replicating iconic effects.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest being cautious with spending; it's worth buying if the specific sound it offers is desired, especially if found at a deal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user modified a spare wah pedal to serve as an expression pedal for the PS-2, demonstrating potential for customization to expand control options.

    Source

User experience

  • Long-term ownership has led some to desire multiple units, with one user regretting not purchasing an additional PS-2 over their 25-year experience, underscoring its lasting appeal.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 22 Ratings

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stoney_point

One of the Most Important Pedals Created

This pedal is iconic for a number of reasons whether it be iconic lineage and usage by Slowdive or use in a number of modern tracks. I wonder truly how many people this pedal has inspired due to its unique and quirky sounds.

robert_jamora

blast off!

I've had a dramatic bout with this monster and because of her age. I tried to study, and lean on towards learning the bits and pieces and the basics of fixing the first pitch shifter available in the market. The main mistake of using this pedal is that it has a trim pot inside that you need to adjust. All in all, this was a challenging pedal to use, but it is a rewarding experience.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Protip: max out both the settings of the trim pots inside the circuit and put this thing in front of your signal chain.

From Gear Setup
darrell_qualls

Weird "Glitchy as hell" octave pedal with Delay capabilities

This beautiful, nasty "octave" pedal can do octave down, up and straight glitched out detune kind of signals to pair with your original tone. Jump on Youtube and check out some videos, there is no good way to explain this wacked out pedal with words.

yanionguitars

A Gift

I got the Boss PS-2 from my friend that has his uncle gave it to him. One thing is interesting for sure that it has a some kind of octaver that can be used for some shimmer type sounds with use of other pedals.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thom Yorke uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Thekingofgear

"Used for an octave harmony effect on Where I End And You Begin. Some claim that it was a Boss PS3, but since the few blurry screencaps seem to include the white tipped knobs of the PS2,and since Radiohead sold a “ps2” on ebay, it is far more likely a PS2."

See how Billy Corgan uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Premierguitar

The sidebar to this interview with Premier Guitar magazine lists some of the gear Corgan used while recording the Smashing Pumpkins' Cyr album. The list of effects includes a PS-2.

See how Neil Halstead uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Neil Halstead

Singer, Guitarist

Slowdive

...
Verified via Photo

Neil used this pedal during the early days of Slowdive.

See how Jake E. Lee uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Jake E. Lee

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Naver

Used on "Soulfinger", "The Velvet Fire" and "Bludfuk", as specified in this July 20, 2012 breakdown of a A Fine Pink Mist gear list printed in the October 1996 issue of Young Guitar.

See how Merzbow uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Merzbow

Composer, Music Producer

Kikuri

...
Verified via Discogs

Boss PS-2 is listed in the liner notes of the album Flesh Metal Orgasm.

See how Hainbach uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Hainbach

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

pedal shown in video

See how Sharon Van Etten uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Sharon Van Etten

Singer, Guitarist

The Wild Hearts

...
Verified via Guitar World

In an interview with Guitar World, Sharon Van Etten discusses her use of the Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay pedal, noting how she enjoys experimenting with it in live performances.

See how Takaakira "Taka" Goto uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Takaakira "Taka" Goto

Guitarist

MONO

...
Verified via Flickr

This photo comes from Mono's 2010 Brudenell Social Club performance. One of the pedals that can be seen in Taka's pedalboard is Boss PS-2 pitch shifter/delay pedal.

See how Joshua Hayward uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Joshua Hayward

Guitarist

The Horrors

...
Verified via Photo

Dark blue pedal along the top row

See how Dave Fielding uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Dave Fielding

Guitarist

The Chameleons

...
Verified via Twitter

In this image tweeted by Analog Music Products, Fielding's pedalboard is shown to include a PS-2.

See how Dave Konopka uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Dave Konopka

Guitarist, Bassist

Battles

...
Verified via Tumblr

Visible on this photo of his pedalboard.

See how Nick Steinborn uses Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay

Nick Steinborn

Guitarist, Drummer

The Wonder Years

...
Verified via Photo

In Nick's Instagram post, a PS-2 can be seen in the top right of the pedal chain.

Album Usage

The Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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